Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of <em>Eugenia jambolana</em> on haematological parameters and lipid profile being a commonly used plant in Nigerian folklore medicine. Aqueous extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of <em>Eugenia jambolana</em> were screened for phytochemicals and its effect on haematological parameters and lipid profile in normal albino rats were investigated. Twenty four Albino rats weighing between 150-200 kg body weights were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered (50 mg/kg body weight) of leaves, stem bark and root bark respectively for 21 days. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins and carbohydrates and quantitative analysis by gravimetric method showed significantly (p<0.5) higher levels of saponins and alkaloids in the aqueous extracts of leaves and root bark respectively. The aqueous extracts (leaves, stem bark and root bark) had no significant (p>0.05) effect on haematological parameters. Aqueous extracts of the root bark significantly (p<0.5) increased TC, TG and LDL-c levels and the stem bark extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced HDL-c compared to the control. All three aqueous extracts significantly (p<0.05) lowered HDL-c/TC ratio, the root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and both aqueous extracts of stem bark and root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased log (TG/HDL-c) of treated groups when compared to control.

Highlights

  • Eugenia jambolana belonging to the family Mytaceae is a large ever green and densely foliaceous tree with grayish brown thick bark and can grow up to 30m high

  • An extended lipid profile may include very low-density lipoprotein. This is used to identify hyperlipidemia, which has been reported by Rerkasem et al (2008) as one of the most important risk factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis that lead to Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and sometimes pancreatitis

  • Due to the importance of Haematological parameters and lipid profile in the normal functioning of human system and or as a tool of diagnosis, Eugenia jambolana, a commonly used plant in Nigerian folklore medicine was chosen to investigate its effect on haematological parameters and lipid profile of normal albino rats

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Eugenia jambolana belonging to the family Mytaceae is a large ever green and densely foliaceous tree with grayish brown thick bark and can grow up to 30m high. The trees produce oblong or ellipsoid fruits (berries) They are green when raw and purplish black when fully ripe. The ripe fruits are luscious, fleshy and edible; it contains a single large seed. It is widely distributed throughout India, CeylonMalaya, Australia and Nigeria. An extended lipid profile may include very low-density lipoprotein This is used to identify hyperlipidemia (various disturbances of cholesterol and triglyceride levels), which has been reported by Rerkasem et al (2008) as one of the most important risk factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis that lead to Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and sometimes pancreatitis. Due to the importance of Haematological parameters and lipid profile in the normal functioning of human system and or as a tool of diagnosis, Eugenia jambolana, a commonly used plant in Nigerian folklore medicine was chosen to investigate its effect on haematological parameters and lipid profile of normal albino rats

MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
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